Car accidents may just seem to be simple fender benders but there are times when they result in serious and life-altering situations. In the State of California, for example, car accidents are quite common as thousands of Californians get injured and get killed each year due to such mishaps.
According to government data, in the year 2009, more than 3,000 fatal road crashes happened in the state. Because of the prevalence of car accidents in California, it is a must for all motorists and pedestrians alike to know the reasons behind such accidents.
Top Causes of Car Accidents in California
California is a prominent state for several not-so-positive things, one of which is heavy traffic. In fact, according to a recent study conducted by Inrix, Los Angeles placed number two in the list of US states with heaviest traffic. Incidentally, traffic congestion in the state is just one of the many reasons why it is plagued with serious and oftentimes fatal road accidents.
The following are the other causes of traffic accidents in the state:
Drunk drivers – Motorists who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol are considered as threats to traffic safety. Every year, hundreds of Californians get killed in alcohol-related crashes. In 2009 alone, more than 900 people were killed in accidents involving drunk drivers.
Distracted drivers – Distracted driving is becoming an infamous cause of traffic accidents in California. Accidents caused by distracted drivers, however, are not only a problem in California, since approximately 15 people are killed each day in the country due to distraction-related car mishaps.
Speeding drivers – Speeding is among the most prevailing causes of road accidents in the Golden State. In fact, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), in 2008, speeding is associated with at least 28 percent of the total fatal road accidents in the state.
Claiming for Car Accident Damages in California
Californians who get injured in a car accident caused by another person should claim for compensations. Under the law, car accident victims may be entitled to various forms of car accident damages, including payments for hospitalization and medication, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Incidentally, pursuing a car accident case in the state requires time and effort, which is why it is advisable for claimants to get help from an expert Los Angeles car accident attorney. A lawyer’s assistance is necessary to easily and successfully win a car accident claim because an attorney can effectively negotiate with the insurance company for just compensations.
